Parking at Elk Garden

imported
#1

Any word on parking security at Elk Garden just south of the Highlands and also at Va 603 outside the park N by Old Orchard?

Thanks, BW

Bushwhack

#2

I wouldn’t at either place even though alot have without any problems, I’m sure. But both places have a history of bad things happening to cars left overnite.

Hokey Pokey

#3

I’ve parked @ Elk Garden twice, both times for over a week, without a problem. But then I do drive an old junk Jeep. I don’t think anyone would want it.

Captain K-man

#4

i have parked at both places to many times to count and have never once had a problem.

jerm

#5

I really think this parking area may be a hit or miss dangerzone…really, I would say more along the lines of miss.

Maybe some of the parking discomfort stems from it’s (albeit a little remote) proximity to some of the Tennessee trailheads that seem to be marked with vehicular violence, or from reports of the area not being quite so friendly to hikers, but I’ve personally never heard of any real uncomfortable or dangerous situations there.

I think the big thing to remember is that a single negative encounter at a particular location will have a much more thunderous existence in our minds than countless neutral or positive experiences, which is something that you certainly can learn on the trail (or even in surrounding trail communities). Maybe if you have 5 people that post here who can give you an actual account of a negative or hostile experience at this location, then you can make the judgment to not park, but if it’s mainly just hearsay, then it could just be unfounded gossip.

One way to get an account of actual incidents would be to perhaps contact some of the local park rangers or staff in some of the surrounding areas - Mt. Rogers and the Grayson Highlands boundaries, and just ask them about it…and even see if they have parking recommendations.

Good luck, and have a great trip.

bearbait

#6

you could always just pay and park at the backpackers parking lot at massie gap in the park.

jerm